James Ward-Prowse transfer news: West Ham hold big advantage in battle to sign Southampton star with £20m bid expected
WEST HAM have taken a significant advantage in the battle to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've installed David Moyes' side at odds-on 4/6 to clinch Ward-Prowse's signature before the transfer window closes in September.
Southampton promised the 28-year-old a move if they were relegated from the Premier League, and want to recoup around £100million in player sales to balance the books.
There has been no shortage of interest in the England international with no less than TEN clubs lodging enquiries.
However, his age is supposedly an issue for the elite club's in the division and that has opened to the door to the likes of West Ham, Fulham and Wolves.
The Daily Mail claim West Ham, who will have substantial funds after the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, are preparing to offer a £20million bid this week.
That proposal is likely to be rejected with Southampton valuing their talismanic captain closer to £40m.
Holding midfielders such as Denis Zakaria of Juventus or Leeds talent Tyler Adams are also on West Ham's radar should they be unable to conclude a deal for Ward-Prowse.
Fulham and Wolves are next in the betting markets at 5/1, ahead of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham at 7/1.
Newcastle are available at 17/2, although their recent £55m Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali will likely end any interest in JWP.
Aston Villa and Brentford are 11/1 and 12/1 respectively, ahead of Nottingham Forest (14/1), Brighton (20/1), Leeds (33/1) and Crystal Palace (33/1).
Ward-Prowse, 28, scored 55 goals and provided 53 assists in 409 appearances since making his Saints debut on the opening day of the 2012–13 season.
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